Spectators Laughed and Got Stirred Lots were drawn in the first place for the players absent from the meeting. Mr. YOSHIKUNI and some players picked out lottery balls from a box on behalf of the absent. The names of the players whose lots were drawn were entered on the panel one after another.

When 6-dan Ms. Tomoko OGAWA took a ball on behalf of 4-dan Ms. Izumi KOBAYASHI, the spectators got stirred. Since Ms. KOBAYASHI had been paired with her father Jyudan Mr. Koichi KOBAYASHI for two successive years, it was a matter of interest whether they could be paired with each other for the third consecutive year. Ms. OGAWA drew a ball marked with “H”. On the panel, the name of the 25th Honinbou CHIKUN had been already entered as the other “H” player. At that moment, the hall resounded with laughter.

The 25th Honinbou CHIKUN is known as Jyudan Mr. KOBAYASHI’s strong rival. Having a quick temper, the 25th Honinbou CHIKUN is the only player who had sometimes exploded with feelings in previous tournaments. When he lost two games in a row on the first day, he suddenly left the hall, saying, “Don’t invite me to this event any more”. (However, he came back soon and voluntarily acted as a large board commentator to please the fans.) How the excitable player the 25th Honinbou CHIKUN show a partnership with Ms. KOBAYASHI? I very much look forward to this pair’s games on the first day.

	The partner aimed at by male players was decided. The lot was drawn by 9-dan Mr. KATO himself. As there was a stir in the hall, Mr. KATO noticed what happened to himself and cried, “Oh, I am paired with Ms. SUGIUCHI? It's perfect!” He returned to his seat with a somewhat bashful smile.

Every player’s partner as well as the matching of the first and second round games were determined according to the Ricoh Cup rules, as shown on the table. What will be the development of this year’s tournament with the paired players? An outlook has been given by 9-dan Mr. ISHIDA.